I could just cry. Because of the severe pain in my back and the kindness of a stranger.
I strained my back a couple of weeks ago and the pain and limited movement hasn’t gone away, but I needed to go grocery shopping. Somehow I would have to manage.
A lady behind me in line asked if she could go ahead of me since she only had two items. I said “of course”, because it always takes me forever to unload my groceries onto the conveyor belt.
To my surprise, she asked me if she could unload my cart for me, seemingly out of gratitude, which was unusual in itself. I was so thrilled because my back was killing me! I told her I really appreciated that since I was in a lot of back pain and she became all the more glad to help! I was so grateful she was sent my way, like an angel!
Perhaps it’s because I mumbled one of my “God help me” prayers that I would get through shopping somehow, not really expecting it to be answered. Never underestimate the power of prayer!
Even though the woman appeared somewhat rushed, I could tell she was making a conscious effort to look deeply into my eyes, not just a quick glance. It made me feel like I mattered.
Many days we can think the world has gone full-on mad, filled with self-centered, rude, crazy and evil people, but in actuality, there are still many more truly kind and helpful people in this world.
The interaction with this unknown woman spared my back a bit and made me want to continue the kindness cycle and be kind to someone else. And isn’t that what it’s all about?
As an added bonus, it is now making me think more about the topic of kindness which is not usually in my train of thought, since I am generally not one for positivity.
All this from one brief interaction with a stranger who decided to lend a helping hand. A fellow human being that I will probably never see again but who has profoundly touched my life with her simple act of kindness.
How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it. George Elliston
What stops us from being kind? Maybe sometimes we are afraid to reach out. We don’t want to get involved, we feel embarrassed, or we don’t want to risk rejection. Perhaps we are in physical pain, as I was, or hurting in some other way. (Actually, after this incident I did try to do a kind deed in the parking lot, but it didn’t work out. I will have to look for another opportunity.)
I know it’s been said many times before, but it is often good to opt for kindness. Remember those Random Acts of Kindness books? They are collecting dust on my shelf. Kindness makes the small, ordinary moments in our day become sacred. It is also good for the well-being of both parties and has a positive ripple effect.
You never know what people may be going through and you might just make their day or even change another person’s life. It can mean more to them at that moment than you’ll ever know. I think my simple encounter at the grocery store has changed me and I may just dust off those books for inspiration.
I could still just cry, out of pain, but also out of joy and a restored faith in humanity.
So let us all forge ahead and choose kindness. How can you show someone kindness today?
